1 86 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



the wilder districts of Scotland, including the Hebrides, 

 the Orkneys, and the Shctlands, the bird becomes of 

 much more general occurrence. It is not, however, yet 

 known to breed in Ireland, although well known there 

 as a winter visitor. 



Breeding habits: It is impossible to say whether 

 the individuals of this species that breed in our islands 

 draw southwards in autumn or not, as at that season 

 great numbers visit our shores from the Continent to 

 winter. The Short-eared Owl is not a dweller in wooded 

 districts, neither does it frequent buildings or cliffs. Its 

 haunts are the open, treeless country, moorlands, fens, 

 heaths, gorse coverts, and marshy wastes. Although 

 several nests may be found at no great distance apart 

 on suitable ground, this Owl is neither gregarious nor 

 social during the breeding season. It pairs very pro- 

 bably for life, and what is very remarkable for a bird 

 laying white eggs, it nests in the open on the bare 

 ground. The nest is usually made amongst sedge or 

 heather or stunted willows, or under the shelter of gorse, 

 or even on a heap of mown reeds. The structure is 

 slight, little more than a hollow lined with a few bits of 

 dry vegetation, and by chance a feather or two. Some- 

 times when disturbed from the nest, this owl will soar 

 into the air, and hovering above the intruder in company 

 with her mate, watch his movements ; at other times, 

 although sitting closely, she flies quite away without 

 further demonstration. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Short-eared Owl are from five to seven 

 or even eight in number, smooth, with little polish, and 

 creamy-white in colour. Average measurement, v6 inch 

 in length, by i"3 inch in breadth. Incubation, performed 

 probably by both sexes, lasts from twenty-one to twenty- 

 five days. 



